10+ Dates Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Treats

Dates are not only sweet and delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. This article will explore various recipes that show how versatile dates can be in both sweet and savory dishes.

Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or as a part of a more elaborate meal, dates can add a unique flavor and texture.

From energy-boosting breakfasts to satisfying desserts, there are countless ways to incorporate dates into your cooking.

You’ll discover simple and tasty ideas that can elevate your everyday meals.

Get ready to experiment and enjoy the wonderful taste of dates in your kitchen!

1) Sweet Banana Date Bread

Sweet banana date bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of dates. It’s a tasty treat that’s also healthy!

To make this bread, you’ll need ripe bananas, pitted Medjool dates, and a few other simple ingredients. The dates add moisture and sweetness without any added sugar.

This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can enjoy it plain or with some butter spread on top.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 12 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/3 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the bananas.
3. Puree the dates in a blender with a bit of water.
4. Combine bananas, date puree, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
5. Mix in baking soda, flour, and salt until just combined.
6. Pour the mix into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

2) Savory Stuffed Dates with Goat Cheese

Stuffed dates with goat cheese are a tasty and easy appetizer. The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the creamy and tangy goat cheese. You can make these in just a few minutes.

To get started, choose large medjool dates. Slice them open and remove the pits. Fill each date with goat cheese for a delicious blend of flavors.

For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pistachios, on top. You can even wrap them in bacon for a savory twist. Baking them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes gives them a warm, melty texture.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates
• Goat cheese
• Nuts (walnuts or pistachios)
• Bacon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the dates open and remove the pits.
3. Stuff each date with goat cheese.
4. Top with chopped nuts if desired.
5. (Optional) Wrap in bacon.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until warm and soft.

3) 15-Minute Date Balls

Making date balls is a quick and simple way to enjoy a healthy snack. You can prepare these tasty treats in just 15 minutes.

These bites are naturally sweet and require only a few ingredients. You will love how easy they are to make!

Ingredients

• 14 pitted dates
• 1/2 cup oats
• 16 nuts (like pecans or almonds)
• 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut or almond)
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by placing the oats and pitted dates in a food processor.
2. Add your choice of nuts and nut butter.
3. Mix everything until it forms a sticky dough.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls.
5. Chill them in the fridge for a few minutes before enjoying!

4) Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Dates

Roasted Brussels sprouts and dates make a tasty side dish. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is both unique and satisfying. You can easily prepare this dish to impress your family or friends.

To start, you want to roast the Brussels sprouts until they are tender and slightly crispy. Adding chopped dates brings a sweet touch that complements the sprouts well. Season the dish with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for flavor.

Feel free to add nuts like almonds for extra crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can enhance the sweetness even more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup medjool dates, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped almonds or balsamic glaze

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until tender.
5. Add chopped dates in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

5) Peanut Butter Date Bark

Peanut Butter Date Bark is a simple and delicious treat you can make easily at home. This recipe combines the sweetness of medjool dates with rich peanut butter and chocolate. It has a taste similar to a Snickers bar.

To make this delightful snack, you’ll need just a few ingredients. The great part is that it requires no baking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Start by lining a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the pitted dates and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Spread the date mixture evenly in the dish.
4. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the date layer.
6. Top with chopped peanuts if desired.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
8. Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!

6) Apple Walnut Salad with Dates

This Apple Walnut Salad with dates is a tasty and colorful dish. It’s perfect as a side or a light main course. The mix of flavors and textures makes it special.

Start with fresh mixed greens. Add sliced Granny Smith apples for a tart crunch. Toasted walnuts bring a nice nutty flavor, and soft dates add sweetness.

Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette to bring everything together. This salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• Dressing of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apple, and chopped dates.
2. Add the toasted walnuts on top.
3. Drizzle with your dressing and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

7) Date and Orange Tea Mash

This Date and Orange Tea Mash is a delightful treat that’s easy to make. The sweetness of dates blends wonderfully with the fresh taste of oranges.

Start by brewing your favorite tea. Once it’s ready, add chopped dates and freshly squeezed orange juice. Let it sit for about an hour to soak up all the flavors.

Afterward, mash the mixture gently until it reaches your desired consistency. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. It makes for a great topping on toast or a filling in pastries.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brewed tea
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Brew your favorite tea and set it aside.
2. Chop the dates and add them to the brewed tea.
3. Pour in the fresh orange juice and stir.
4. Let the mixture sit for one hour.
5. Mash the mixture to your liking.
6. Serve warm or chill before serving.

8) Medjool Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Medjool dates wrapped in bacon are a delicious appetizer that many people enjoy. The sweetness of the dates pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy bacon.

To make this dish, you will need a few simple ingredients. Choose fresh Medjool dates for the best flavor. You can also add cheese, such as goat or blue cheese, to make them even tastier.

Baking these treats will enhance their flavors. As they cook, the bacon becomes crunchy while the dates stay soft and sweet.

Ingredients

• 20 Medjool dates
• 10 slices of bacon
• Optional: 4 ounces of goat cheese or blue cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pit the Medjool dates if they are not already pitted.
3. If using cheese, stuff each date with a small amount.
4. Wrap each date with a slice of bacon.
5. Place the wrapped dates on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until bacon is crispy.
7. Enjoy your tasty appetizer!

9) Date-Infused Ice Cream

Date-infused ice cream is a delicious treat you can make at home. It offers a sweet and creamy flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, using dates adds natural sweetness and nutrition.

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. These include milk, cream, dates, and a few other key items. You can blend dates into a smooth paste for a sweet base.

When you’re ready to mix, combine the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth. Then, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the instructions.

Once the ice cream is churned, place it in the freezer to firm up. In just a few hours, you’ll have a tasty dessert ready to enjoy. Serve it in a bowl or cone, and enjoy your homemade treat!

Ingredients

• 300 ml milk
• 200 ml cream
• 300 grams dates (pitted and chopped)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dates in warm water.
2. Blend dates until smooth.
3. Combine milk, cream, and vanilla in a bowl.
4. Mix in the date puree.
5. Pour into an ice cream maker.
6. Freeze according to the machine’s instructions.
7. Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.

10) Chicken Pastilla with Dates

Chicken pastilla with dates is a delightful dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. This Moroccan pie uses tender chicken, warm spices, and sweet dates for a unique taste.

To start, you will need a few key ingredients, including shredded chicken, dates, onions, and spices like cinnamon and cumin. The pastry crust adds a delicious crunch to every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) shredded chicken
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 package of phyllo dough
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the onions until soft.
2. Add the shredded chicken and spices. Mix well.
3. Stir in the chopped dates.
4. Layer phyllo dough in a baking dish. Add the chicken mixture in between layers.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden.